255 Nicholson StreetBrunswick EastVictoria 3057 Australia

probono@architectsforpeace.or gwww.architectsforpeace.org

Pro bono working group policy

Architects for Peace (arch-peace) officially launched its Pro Bono Service on 24 August 2006, placingthe organisation as an intermediary between professionals of the built environment and communitygroups, non-profit agencies and charitable organizations in Australia and internationally.

1. The pro-bono vision

The right to a good city:

pro bono enables our members to take concrete steps to achieve our shared vision of sustainable development, which includes engaging with current urban/politicaldebates and the prevention of human-made disasters.The pro bono service provides options to those who could not otherwise afford them. At the sametime, this process facilitates the promotion and discussion of architecture and planning in relation to itsimpact on people, their health and their cities. We hope that this service will assist in promotingeducation, community participation and finding solutions to our damaged environment.The reasons for providing this service are many and include:

The perceived and real social divide in the accessibility of architectural services

The perceived notion that architecture is dispensable and deals only with aesthetics

The public’s generally limited awareness of the impact of architecture, urban design andplanning on the way we use and live in our cities

The reality that urban professional disciplines are responsible for up to 75% of greenhouse gasemissions (as of 2006)

The desire of many arch-peace members to assist in the creation of more democratic, fairer and better cities for all, wherever we are based

The fact that in Australia, we lag behind other professions that already recognise the value of offering their professional services to those who cannot otherwise afford them (e.g. law andmedicine), despite the high social and environmental impact of our field and correspondingresponsibility to the communityOur vision is to see that all professionals of the built environment dedicate a portion of their time andresources to pro bono work. Our service is in place to facilitate and promote these efforts.

255 Nicholson StreetBrunswick EastVictoria 3057 Australia

probono@architectsforpeace.or gwww.architectsforpeace.org

2. How it works

The relationship

The arch-peace pro-bono service acts as a bridge between 'clients' (these may be community groups,non-profit agencies and/or charitable organisations that need architectural services but cannot affordto pay for them) and 'service providers' (architects and other professionals of the built environmentwho are prepared to work with these groups free of charge). The main contractual relationship isbetween Client and Service Provider, with arch-peace establishing the initial connection and in somecases playing a limited ongoing facilitating role. We're keen to stay in touch on the progress of theproject, so that we can acknowledge the efforts of the architect and the benefits of the project to thecommunity, so we will make contact from time to time once the project begins and we welcomeupdates. These relationships are illustrated in the following diagram:

255 Nicholson StreetBrunswick EastVictoria 3057 Australia

probono@architectsforpeace.or gwww.architectsforpeace.org

We understand that many designers already undertake pro-bono work for a variety of reasons, but inthe past there has been no forum in Australia dedicated to facilitating, promoting and sharing their experiences. Others may be deterred from undertaking such work due to concerns regarding liability.With the help of professional legal advice (provided pro bono by Clayton Utz Pty Ltd), Architects for Peace has developed forms specifically tailored to our pro bono service. Through our website andother promotion channels we promote the work that emerges from partnerships generated through our pro bono service, offering valuable networking opportunities and rewarding experiences to serviceproviders. A specific target is developed for each project at the outset as we believe each project isunique in its requirements.

The application process

A request for pro bono services reaches the working group (requests should be made to thecoordinator; contact details are supplied on our website). An application form is available for download from our website, outlining the information that we require. Our working group will thenassess the application.Approval of a project requires the support of the pro bono group coordinator and at least two other members of the working group. A project can be approved in this way via email correspondence. If the coordinator decides that the complexity of the project warrants a more detailed assessment, it maybe taken to a committee meeting. We endeavour to finalise the approval of a project and respond tothe applicant as soon as possible. If for any reason we are unable to reach a decision within a shorttime, the applicant will be contacted and notified of their application’s status. Sometimes we requirefurther information to determine the eligibility and possible scope of the project. We may also requesta meeting with the applicant at this time.Once an application is approved, further information will be requested from the applicant in order toform a brief for prospective service providers. We can advise on the sort of information required andassist in preparing the brief. Details of the project, including the project brief or a summary thereof,are posted on our website, where we will call for expressions of interest.The steps in the application process are broadly outlined below:Application assessment1.Applicant submits completed form.2.Initial assessment by pro bono team3.Further information requested (if necessary)4.Meeting with applicant and/or site visit5.Final assessment by pro bono team